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Friday, January 8th, 2010
8 Tevet 5770
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Parshat Shemot
Candle Lighting at 5:27 PM
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Click on the images above to jump to the corresponding article
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What
is the rationale behind our school's midyear calendar?
Why does our
school have midterms if they are
not coming at the end of a marking period? Why do we have winter vacation in
January?
WYHS
is a college preparatory high school. Grades in most college courses depend
heavily on high stakes exams after a half a year of study. Remembering large
amounts of information is significantly more challenging than short term exams
or quizzes. Our students need to learn how to prepare for such exams,
therefore, we give midterm exams exactly at the midpoint of our academic year.
WYHS
midterm and final exams are independent of our marking periods. On our
report cards, the midterm and final exam grades are listed separately from the
three trimester grades. Although some schools send report cards twice a
year (semesters), and other schools' quarterly, we believe that three
marking periods are "just right"- allowing students time for
improvement without making school go constantly from major test week to major
test week.
Why
do we schedule winter vacation to begin on the third Thursday
of January, like the New York day schools? Firstly, it makes the most sense to
have winter break after the exhausting midterm exam week. In addition, we want
to encourage our children to befriend their peers who will be their future
roommates and chavrutot in Israel and college. It is also these like-minded
children who ours will, G-d willing, date and marry.
Yeshiva
Highlites will next appear after vacation, on Friday, February 5.
Please help pace your children's studying. I wish everyone successful midterms
and an enjoyable winter break.
Rabbi Perry Tirschwell
Head of School
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The Weeks Ahead
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Tues 1/12
Alumni & Faculty Sheva Brachot for Jenn (Adler) & Daniel Poliak ('06), 7:30pm
Wed 1/13
Boys & Girls Night Seders Will Meet
Thurs 1/14; Tues 1/19
Study Days
(no classes)
Fri 1/15
Midterm Exams
8:00am-1:45pm
Mon 1/18; Wed 1/20
Midterm Exams
9:00am-3:00pm
Thurs-Sun, 1/21-1/30
Winter Break
Monday 2/22
Golf Tournament
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Mrs. Bambi Rainbeau on the birth of a granddaughter Dakota Rainbeau
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 Tips Corner
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By LeeLee Borzak ('10)
SENIOR EDITOR
The 5770 school year is
nearly half way done, and before winter break, one thing is on all of
our minds: MIDTERMS. While tests on a whole semester of material may sound frightening, they won't be SO bad with the help of the
following study tips:
1) Gather and organize all your material- this may either mean
trying to decipher your own notes or maxing out your copy-card to
photocopy notes from a classmate. Be sure that none of your pages get
out of order--that just gets confusing. Be sure to get all old tests
and quizzes!
2) Study in increments- this will make you (a little) less
overwhelmed, and will also ensure that you feel a sense of
accomplishment every now and then. Master your material topic by
topic, then test yourself on said topic with your old tests.
3) Ask questions- While you're reviewing your notes, things may
seem unclear. Do not panic! Luckily, there's a whole network of people
to help you, namely your classmates or teachers, who probably gave you
their phone numbers on the first day of school.
4) Create a study schedule- but make sure it's reasonable.
After assessing how much time you have available, prioritize and
determine which class needs the most study time and plan accordingly.
5) Don't panic--even though it sounds corny, don't stress too
much. If you get too nervous, you won't be able to concentrate and
study effectively for your exams, the source of your anxiety in the
first place. With effective planning and scheduling, you'll be fine.
And get a good night's sleep! |
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A few short weeks ago, the Storm had a Saturday night double-header against friendly rivals, RASG Hebrew Academy. Both the Boys JV team and the Varsity team
played amazing games, both of which ended in victories!
Congratulations to the two teams on their respective wins and thanks
so much to all the fans who came to support their Storm!
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Spotted!
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Spotted: Chava Turk
Class of: 2002
Speaking about: the dangers of drug abuse and what we, as students, can do to help
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Spotted: Amanda KrasnaClass of: 2007
Reconnecting with: teachers and WYHS students as she subbed for Navi and Chumash classes
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Spotted: Dr. Ilan Barenholtz
Lab Director of: the Visual Mind Lab at Florida Atlantic University
Assistant Professor of Psychology at: Florida Atlantic University
Discussing: the concept of recognition in the field of psychology with Rabbi Sugerman's AP Psychology class
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Spotted: Shira PoliakClass of: 2008
Presenting: a dynamic shiur, which she had expertly created, to various students at WYHS
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Multimedia
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A Rockin' Retreat
Click on the image above to watch a recap of the nonstop fun enjoyed by all on the awesome winter retreat.
Thanks to Shira Englander, Rabbi Houben, Rabbi Tirschwell, Mrs. Kanner, Shimmie Kaminetsky, and student council presidents Michael Mizrahi ('10) and Daniella Lieberman ('10) for putting together this unforgettable retreat.
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Pictures of the Week
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By Ezra Kurtz ('12)
STAFF WRITER
When students were told that the school-wide winter retreat would be held in sunny Orlando, none of them
expected the frigid temperatures of this past week. Yet there they
were, the student body and numerous teachers, disembarking from
various buses outside the glorious Omni Orlando Resort in record low
temperatures. Once inside the mercifully well-heated building, the
students were free to enjoy the many entertaining activities the
resort offered. Some relaxed indoors, in the majestically decorated
lobby or their hotel rooms, while others braved the cold and
participated in games of par 3 golf, basketball, football and tennis; some daring boys even jumped into the (heated) pool and lazy river.
Soon
after, everyone entered the dining hall, where a scrumptious spread was
laid out to enjoy. After divrei Torah delivered by seniors Daniella Lieberman and David Spektor and a life-altering speech from Judge Dan Butler,
everyone enjoyed some well-timed simcha dancing and a birthday
celebration for Rabbi Sugerman. Following davening and breakfast the next
morning, everyone fondly said good-bye to the resort and headed off to a day of continued excitement at Busch Gardens theme park.
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Fashion
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WYHS IN STYLE
By Rashel Maikhor ('12) & Elana Kaminetsky ('12)
STAFF WRITERS
On
the evening of January 5, 2010, at the gorgeous Omni Resort, WYHS hosted the hottest and most anticipated event
of the year--The Winter "Formal." Guests went
all out by wearing not only the latest looks, but also brought some styles
from past. Take a look at some of the most striking and glamorous outfits
of the night as we get an inside scoop on the most up-to-date fashion
trends.
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Rate That Ride
WYHS @ Busch Gardens
After an entertaining evening and a full night's rest at the magnificent and cozy resort, WYHS students were more ready than ever to tackle the Sheikra and take on the Kumba at Busch Gardens theme park in Tampa Bay. Some students loved the thrills of the drops and loop-de-loops while others stuck to the slower but nonetheless enjoyable cable-car rides, safari tours, and '4-D' shows. Yet everyone undeniably had a blast at the park, hanging out with old friends and making new ones.
Thinking of visiting Busch Gardens? Here's what some of the students said about the rides:
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In Focus |
A Glimpse of G-d
A Few Words with Justice Dan Butler
By Andrew Wald ('12)
& Matthew Wolkowicz ('12)
STAFF INTERVIEWERS
On the night of the retreat, the
students of WYHS had the privilege of listening to renowned speaker, Judge Dan
Butler. He spoke about his son Mikey's unfortunate struggles due to his cystic fibrosis. Even
though he spent much of his life in the hospital, Mikey
Butler z"l eventually managed to fulfill his dream of graduating from Yeshiva University. Mikey served as inspiration to thousands of people around the world who were awed by his unwavering faith, his courage, and his cheerful disposition. He taught them how to believe, how to love, and how to make the most of each "day by glorious day"--his personal motto.
Amidst the WYHS retreat, we
caught up with Judge Butler and asked him a few questions:
How do you know Rabbi
Houben, Assistant Program Director, and other WYHS faculty members? I know Rabbi Houben from HASC and NCSY. He has been a counselor at HASC with
all but one of my kids and we have developed a strong relationship over the
years. I am also friends with
Rabbi Tirschwell, Mrs. Kanner, and other faculty members because of our NCSY
connections.
As a religious judge,
have you ever witnessed a case in which Judaic laws or morals ever contradicted
American law? Not really. Jewish and American law are mostly parallel in
that they both prioritize honesty above all else; they are both about finding the truth. I have even noticed that some of the
American laws are derived from Jewish laws described in the Gemara.
How was your belief
in God affected when your son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis? Mikey Butler used to say that no man wakes up to a perfect
life and says, "why me?" I live in
the same logic and, as Mikey used to say, "why
not me?" This mindset has led me
to believe that God is behind everything and I, knowing that, can't possibly
lose faith.
Can you tell me a
little bit about the unbelievable things that HASC has done children in the
past? HASC, Hebrew Academy for Special Children, has been wonderful summer camp for both campers and their parents.
Campers are cared for 24/7 by their devoted counselors. This camp may not help everyone, but
even if it helps a few thousand families, it is worthwhile and changes the
world for those families.
What was the main
message of your speech?
Always be there for your friends and look out for them
because you never know when it will come back to help you.
What do you think of WYHS?
Awesome school. Awesome kids. It's amazing how WYHS lives up to its rep.
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Spirituality D'var Torah
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It's Just a Penny
Parshat Shemot
By Rebecca Fuchs ('10)
D'VAR TORAH EDITOR
Imagine the following scenario: You are about to leave a room when
something shiny catches your eye. You glance down to notice that it is
merely a penny. You are about to resume your departure when you notice
a tzedaka box on the table. You have a major decision to make. Do you
pick up the penny and deposit it into the tzedaka box, or do you
continue on your way, confident that a small penny, not even accepted
by vending machines, will make no difference?
This week's Parshah, Shemot,
begins the story of Yetziat Mitzrayim, the Redemption from Egypt, and
the eventual journey to the land of Israel. One of the greatest in Bnei
Yisrael, who has taught us countless lessons, is Aharon. During G-d's
first conversation with Moshe, he lets us in on an insight into the
character of Aharon. Upon hearing that his younger brother has received
such an honor by G-d, Aharon "will rejoice in his heart."
This, of course, teaches us a great lesson in having joy for others as
opposed to jealously, which would seem even justified in this
situation. This detail, however, teaches us another, more subtle,
lesson. The Midrash states that if Aharon had realized how significant
his joy for his brother was, so much so that G-d was willing to record
the event in the Torah, Aharon would have greeted Moshe with music and
dancing. The Midrash states that from here we should learn that every
good deed is noticed by G-d.
Even the smallest, most seemingly insignificant action is important to
G-d, and is even recorded for future reference. We could further note
that G-d is always around and notices even those good deeds that no
other person will ever no of, and that one may feel will have no impact
on the world. Every time that we must choose whether or not to put in
the effort, or go out of our way to do a simple act, we should remember
that every detail, every step we take has the potential to bring us
closer to G-d, and we will be infinately rewarded for all the good that
we do.
Shabbat Shalom!
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